Madansinhji

Madansinhji, officially known as His Highness Maharajadhiraj Mirza Maharao Sri Madansinhji Vijayaraji Sawai Bahadur, was last recognized ruler or Maharao of the princely state of Cutch, which is currently known as Kutch district in the state of Gujarat in western India. He was born on 12th October 1909 to father His Highness Maharajadhiraj Mirza Maharao Sri Vijayaraji Khengarji Sawai Bahadur and belonged to the Jadeja clan of Rajputs. He was originally named as Yuvraj Sahib Meghraji. As Maharao Sri Vijayaraji Khengarji was often traveled to Europe, Madansinhji was left in charge to supervise and manage the administration of the princely state of Cutch.

After Indian achieved independence from the British East India Company, Maharao Madansinhji signed the Instrument of Accession of Kutch upon request and instruction of Maharao Vijayraji, who in London at the time for medical treatment. It was signed by Madansinhji on 16 August, 1947 on behalf of his father and as heir apparent of the princely state of Cutch (Kutch). From the year 1943 to 1948, he also served as the President of Cutch State Council. After the death of his father Maharao Sri Vijayaraji, he succeeded him and ascended the throne of the state. But he only ruled for a brief duration until 4th May 1948, as the administration and governance of the princely state of Cutch was entirely merged with the Union of India.

In the year 1953, Madansinhji joined Indian Foreign Service and later served as the Hon. Minister- Counselor at London from the year 1953 to 1956. Moreover he also became the ambassador to Norway from 1957 to 1960; and Chile from 1960 to 1961. As the last ruler of Kutch, he had a good relationship with Jawaharlal Nehru and other eminent personalities. Himmatsinhji, his brother, was appointed as the member of the Lok Sabha in 1962 and represented the Kutch community. Madansinhji, also known as Meghraji established the Maharao of Kutch Aina Mahal Trust on 1st January, 1977. This trust also founded the Madansinhji Museum.

His Highness Maharajadhiraj Mirza Maharao Sri Madansinhji Vijayaraji Sawai Bahadur was married to His Highness Maharajadhiraj Mirza Maharao Sri Madansinhji Vijayaraji Sawai Bahadur in the year 1930. She was the daughter of Lt. Col. HH Umdae Rajhae Buland Makan Maharajadhiraja Maharaja Sir Madan Singh Bahadur of Kishangarh. The couple had many children.

The last Maharao of the princely state of Cutch, Madansinhji, died on 21st June 1991 in London. Pragmalji III, his eldest son, succeeded him and became Maharaja of Jadeja ruler of Kutch.